Books matching: 1970s boston
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- #1
The Digger's Game by George V. Higgins follows the story of a degenerate gambler and his brother, a man of the cloth, as the former digs himself into a deep hole with a loan shark and plans a robbery for insurance money. Set in 70s Boston and other locations, the book delves into themes of gambling, debt, family issues, criminal elements, and the complex relationships between the characters. Higgins' writing style is characterized by gritty dialogue-driven storytelling, with conversations playing a central role in driving the narrative forward.
The plot of The Digger's Game weaves through various locations and characters, portraying a world of criminals, enforcers, chancers, and family dynamics. The book's focus on dialogue, flawed characters, and morally questionable individuals creates a rich and realistic portrayal of Boston's less reputable social circles during the seventies. Higgins' unique approach to storytelling, where characters are studied through their interactions and conversations, adds depth and authenticity to the narrative, making it a compelling read for those interested in character-driven crime fiction.
“Back door,” the driver said. “Three steps, aluminum railing, no outer door. No alarm. You got a problem of being seen. There’s a whole mess of apartments back up on the place, and they got mostly kid... - #2
'Cogan's Trade' by George V. Higgins is a crime novel set in Boston's underworld, revolving around an armed robbery at a high-stakes poker game under mob protection. The plot follows hitman Cogan as he is tasked with seeking retribution for the robbery. The book is praised for its realistic depiction of hoods and hitmen, using authentic street slang and dialogue to bring the characters and their criminal activities to life.
The writing style of 'Cogan's Trade' is heavily dialogue-driven, with most of the story unfolding through conversations between characters. The book provides a gritty and detailed look into the day-to-day lives of mobsters, discussing topics such as marriages, criminal activities, and the challenges of earning money in the criminal underworld. The plot weaves multiple threads together, building towards an inevitable conclusion, all while maintaining a sense of realism and authenticity in its portrayal of organized crime.
AMATO IN A GRAY SUIT with a muted red stripe, textured pink shirt with his initials on the left French cuff, a maroon and gold tie, sat at the kidney-shaped, walnut veneer desk and stared. “I got to g... - #3
'The Friends of Eddie Coyle' by George V. Higgins is a hard-boiled crime novel set in Boston in the 1970s. The story revolves around Eddie Coyle, a small-time crook who is facing trial for stealing a truckload of whiskey. The novel primarily focuses on dialogue, providing a gritty and realistic portrayal of the criminal underworld, with characters engaging in gunrunning and bank robbing activities. As the plot unfolds, readers witness the intricate relationships between criminals, cops, lawyers, and informants, showcasing the trade-offs and betrayals that occur within these circles.
Higgins' writing style is characterized by crisp and authentic dialogue, reminiscent of the slang used in the 1970s Boston underworld. The narrative is mainly driven by conversations among characters, offering a claustrophobic and noir atmosphere akin to classic crime fiction. Despite the predictable nature of the plot, the novel impresses with its execution, dark humor, and the way characters are developed through their interactions and dialogues, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience.
Jackie Brown at twenty-six, with no expression on his face, said that he could get some guns. “I can get your pieces probably by tomorrow night. I can get you, probably, six pieces. Tomorrow night. In... - #4
The Godwulf Manuscript is the first book in the Spenser series by Robert B. Parker, set in Boston in the 1970s. The plot follows Spenser, a tough and witty private detective, as he is hired by a university to track down a missing illuminated manuscript. However, his investigation leads him into a complex web of drug smuggling, murder, and political intrigue on a college campus. Through fast-paced action sequences and witty dialogues, Spenser navigates through the gritty streets of Boston to solve the case, showcasing his hard-boiled detective persona and sharp investigative skills.
The office of the university president looked like the front parlor of a successful Victorian whorehouse. It was paneled in big squares of dark walnut, with ornately figured maroon drapes at the long ... - #5
Birdie appears white, like her mother, but her sister appears black, like their father. Birdie's parents split up, each taking the daughter that appears most like them, and do not communicate with each other. I've read an array of texts featuring caucasian and African American heroines, but never a biracial heroine with a story this compelling. Born to a biracial family in 1970s Boston, Birdie witnesses her family disintegrate from racial tensions. Her father and older sister move to Brazil, hoping for utopia, and Birdie and her mother go underground, adopting new identities. Birdie eventually sets out to find her sister and reconnect with and examine her past. A stimulating story about race and skin color, and how both have profound powers to shape our experiences.
Before I ever saw myself, I saw my sister. When I was still too small for mirrors, I saw her as the reflection that proved my own existence. Back then, I was content to see only Cole, three years olde... - #6
'Small Mercies: A Novel' by Dennis Lehane is a gripping story set in South Boston in 1974, delving into the lives of desperate people facing racial tensions and mob control. The protagonist, Mary Pat Fennessy, embarks on a relentless search for her missing daughter, Jules, leading her to confront the Irish mob and challenge the norms of her community. The novel intricately explores themes of race, class, and family dynamics, painting a vivid picture of a volatile setting where personal losses and societal struggles collide.
- #7
'Anastasia Krupnik' by Lois Lowry is a heartwarming story about a ten-year-old girl navigating the challenges of growing up. Through the eyes of Anastasia, readers experience her daily trials, triumphs, and evolving perspectives captured in her green notebook. The plot revolves around Anastasia's experiences dealing with issues like first crushes, family changes, and self-discovery, all presented in a humorous and relatable tone.
Anastasia Krupnik was ten. She had hair the color of Hubbard squash, fourteen freckles across her nose (and seven others in places that she preferred people not to know about), and glasses with large ... - #8
'The Family Vault' in the Sarah Kelling & Max Bittersohn Mysteries series by Charlotte MacLeod follows the story of Sarah Kelling, a member of a wealthy Boston family, who discovers a shocking secret when the family vault is opened for the burial of her great uncle Frederick. Inside the vault, they find the skeleton of a burlesque queen who disappeared thirty years ago, leading to a complex murder plot that not only delves into the past but also puts Sarah in danger. With the help of private detective Max Bittersohn, Sarah navigates through deadly family secrets, art fraud, and murder, all while trying to uncover the truth behind the mysterious skeleton and the events that follow.
The plot unfolds with twists and turns, keeping readers enthralled until the end. The writing style, characterized by historical details, situational and verbal humor, and a cozy mystery atmosphere, adds depth to the narrative. Readers are taken on a journey of unraveling family mysteries, unexpected deaths, and the resilience of the protagonist, Sarah, in the face of adversity, making 'The Family Vault' a captivating start to a series filled with intriguing characters and intriguing secrets.
“We’re not actually planning to dig up anybody,” she explained for the third time. “At least I hope we’re not. We’re just going to ask the people who have charge of the cemetery to open one of the vau...